Hypothermia control device for infants

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to articles for decreasing heat loss from a human body, particularly a small child or an infant. In some embodiments, the articles are infant headwraps consisting essentially of one sheet of a non-woven, polymeric material containing a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material, with a plurality of flaps and fastening devices. Such articles described herein can be used to prevent hypothermia in small children and/or infants by decreasing radiant heat loss.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/353,772 filed Jun. 11, 2010, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a head-covering article, particularly for infants.

BACKGROUND

Large amount of heat is lost through the exposed skin of an infant's head. It has been estimated that up to about 70% of the body's metabolic heat can be produced in the brain. Much of this heat is believed to be dissipated through the skin of the head, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the body surface area.

Several attempts have been made to reduce such heat losses by insulating the head. The use of a cotton gauze and wool hat has been shown to decrease the rate of decline in rectal temperature of infants in the first 30 minutes of life. Hats were also shown to decrease oxygen consumption and reduce total heat loss in naked infants in cool environments.

Headwraps lined with THINSULATE® (3M Co., St. Paul), an olefin and polyester composite with effective insulating properties, have been used to construct infant headwraps. The THINSULATE® materials provide insulation by trapping air molecules within layers of fine fibers or microfibers. The use of THINSULATE® headwraps have been shown to reduce dry and evaporative heat losses from infant heads. Further, using THINSULATE® headwraps in the delivery room was also found to maintain core temperature on arrival in the nursery and to reduce the incidence of hypothermia. However, improved designs of headwraps, e.g., using new materials, for infants are still needed.

Nonwoven materials such as biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) have been widely used for thermal insulation as an emergency blanket. The availability of new nonwoven materials for insulation prompts the design of a more efficient heat-insulating and cost-effective headwrap for infant use. As such, there is still a strong need to improve the thermal protection efficiency of an infant headwrap, e.g., using a new insulating material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Significant heat losses from an unprotected head of a small child or an infant can increase incidence of hypothermia in the small child or the infant. The present invention is directed to an article for covering a human head to reduce heat loss from the human head, particularly a small child's and an infant's head.

One aspect provided herein is an article for covering at least a human head, e.g., a small child's or an infant's head. Such article consists essentially of at least one sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric material with at least one radiant-reflective surface. The sheet comprises a first flap and a second flap, wherein the dimension between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient in length to close around the human head. Additionally, each of the first flap and the second flap comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together to maintain the sheet around the human head.

In some embodiments, the first flap and the second flap can be adjacent to each other. In other embodiments, the first flap and the second flap can extend from opposite sides of the sheet.

In some embodiments, the top of the sheet can further include a third flap extending approximately transverse to the extent of the first flap and the second flap, wherein the area of at least a portion of the third flap is sufficient to enclose the top part the human head. In such embodiments, the third flap can further comprise at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the sheet can further include a flap, which can be folded to create a horizontal or flat edge.

In certain embodiments, the sheet can have a polygonal shape, e.g., comprising at least three sides, at least four sides or at least five sides. In one embodiment, the sheet can be circular in shape. In one embodiment, the sheet is a square sheet.

In various embodiments, the nonwoven, polymeric material can include a mechanically-processed polyethylene terephthalate material, e.g., a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material.

Another aspect provided herein is an article for wrapping at least an infant head, e.g., an infant headwrap. The infant headwrap consists essentially of one polygonal-shaped sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric material with at least one radiant-reflective surface (e.g., a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material) and three distinct flaps. A first flap and a second flap extend from opposite sides of the polygonal-shaped sheet, while a third flap extends from the top end of the polygonal-shaped sheet. The dimension between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient in length to close around the infant head, while at least a portion of the third flap has an area sufficient to enclose the top part of the infant head. Additionally, each of the first flap and the second flap comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together to maintain the sheet around the infant head. In some embodiments, the third flap can further comprise at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap. Exemplary fastening devices include, but are not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, button-and-hole fasteners, male-and-female snaps, ribbon ties, zippers, laces, cords, and any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments of the infant headwrap, the bottom of the polygonal-shaped sheet can further include a flap, which can be folded to create a horizontal or flat edge.

In some embodiments of the infant headwrap, the polygonal-shaped sheet can comprise at least four sides or at least five sides. In one embodiment, the polygonal-shaped sheet is a square sheet.

In some embodiments of any aspect described herein, the article can further include at least two elements that are substantially spaced along the widest part of the sheet by a distance of at least equivalent to an average width of a human head (e.g., infant head). Such two elements can be used to indicate a location where the human head is to be placed, or to facilitate stabilizing the human head in place.

The articles described herein can be generally adapted for use with any human subject in need thereof, e.g., to decrease heat loss from the head or to help maintain body temperature. In some embodiments, the articles described herein can be used on a small child or an infant. Additionally, the articles described herein can be used in any environment, including for example, but not limited to, perioperative or operating room, labor and delivery room, nursery room, neonatal intensive care unit, or during transport, e.g., of a small child or an infant, from one place to another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. In the figures:

FIG. 1A shows an infant head placed on an article in an “open” state according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B shows an infant head wrapped by the article of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic view of an article in an “open” state according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic view of the article of FIG. 2A in an “open” state with a human head;

FIGS. 3A to 3E are diagrammatic views of various shapes of the sheet in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The dotted line is the folding line for each individual flap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As a significant amount of heat is lost through the exposed skin of an infant's or a small child's head, insulation of the head is essential to reduce the incidence of hypothermia or other cold stresses. The present invention relates to a device or an article to help regulate body temperature of an infant or a child, particularly to reduce heat loss. The device or the article comprises one or more sheets of thermal insulating material with at least one radiant-reflective surface, and one or more fastening device, e.g., straps or tabs, attached to at least two flaps of the sheet to secure the sheet in place. In one embodiment, the material can be waterproof. In one embodiment, the material can be sterilizable. In one embodiment, the fastening device, e.g., straps or tabs, can be re-sealable. In one embodiment, the fastening device, e.g., the straps or tabs, can be adjustable. In one embodiment, the thermal insulating material with at least one radiant-reflective surface is biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) commonly known under the trade name MYLAR®.

In one embodiment, the sheet-based device or article can be provided in the shape of a pentagon or a square, but various shapes are possible, e.g., irregular shapes, polygons (e.g., octagonal), and circular. The device can include an open and a closed state. By way of example only, the arrangement of fastening devices, e.g., straps or tabs as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, allow for adjustment of the sheet as it is arranged around a small child's or an infant's head to form the closed state (FIG. 1B). The fastening devices, e.g., straps or tabs, can be re-sealable to allow for access to the head, for example, but not limited to, during bathing, routine examination, and surgical procedures. The fastening devices, e.g., straps or tabs, can be adjustable. In some embodiments, the distance between the two flaps that are used to close around a small child's or an infant's head can be in a range of about 25 cm-about 55 cm, about 30 cm-about 55 cm, or about 35 cm-about 50 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between the two flaps that are used to close around a small child's or an infant's head can be in a range of about 25 cm-about 43 cm, about 25 cm-about 40 cm, about 35 cm-about 43 cm or about 35 cm-about 40 cm.

In accordance with the invention, one aspect provided herein is an article for covering at least a human head (e.g., a head-covering article). The article consists essentially of at least one sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface, wherein the sheet comprises at least two individual flaps.

The term “radiant-reflective surface” as used herein generally refers to a surface capable of reflecting electromagnetic radiation (e.g., thermal radiation) back toward or away from a human body, e.g., a human head, depending on the facing direction of the radiant-reflective surface. All matters with a temperature greater than absolute zero emit thermal radiation. If a human head (e.g., a small child's or an infant's head) is covered with the radiant-reflective surface facing inward, the radiant-reflective surface reflects at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100% of thermal radiation (particularly infrared radiation) back toward the human head, and thus decrease human heat loss by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to the human without wearing the article as described herein. If a human head (e.g., a small child's or an infant's head) is covered with the radiant-reflective surface facing outward, the radiant-reflective surface reflects at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100% of thermal radiation (particularly background radiation, e.g., from the sun, or from the surrounding light) away from the human head, and thus decrease the human head from receiving at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100% of thermal radiation, e.g., from the sun or from the light, as compared to the human without wearing the article as described herein. In such embodiments, the article of the invention can still reduce heat loss by other mechanisms, e.g., decreasing convective heat loss and/or evaporative heat loss, for example, by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to the human without wearing the article as described herein.

In some embodiments, the articles of any aspect described herein can decrease the total heat loss in a human (e.g., a small child or an infant), for example, by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to the human without wearing the article as described herein.

The nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface is different from a THINSULATE® material, which is woven from olefin and polyester fibers. The fibers forming the THINSULATE® material trap air molecules between them to create an insulating layer for preventing conductive heat loss. However, the nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface according to the present invention provides thermal protection by reducing radiant heat loss (i.e., thermal radiation) from a human body (e.g., a human head) by at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to the human without wearing the nonwoven, polymeric material as described herein.

In some embodiments, the non-woven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface includes a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) material or a derivative thereof. The boPET has been manufactured under various trade names including, but not limited to, MYLAR®, MELINEX® and HOSTAPHAN®. In such embodiments, the boPET material can be also waterproof, thus decreasing evaporative heat loss in a human by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to the human without wearing the boPET material. In other embodiments, the boPET material can be also windproof, thus decreasing convective heat loss in a human by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to the human without wearing the boPET material. As used herein, the phrase “the human without wearing the boPET material” can refer to a human wearing no head-covering articles at all, or a human wearing a head-covering article in the absence of the boPET material (e.g., a THINSULATE® head-covering article).

In embodiments of the article described herein, the non-woven, polymeric sheet having at least one radiant-reflective surface comprises a first flap and a second flap, wherein the dimension between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient in length to close around the human head. In some embodiments, the total length of or the distance between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient to close around a human head (e.g., a small child's head or an infant's head). In some embodiments, the total length of or the distance between the two flaps that are used to close around a small child's or an infant's head can be in a range of about 25 cm-about 55 cm, about 30 cm-about 55 cm, or about 35 cm-about 50 cm. In some embodiments, the total length of or the distance between the two flaps that are used to close around a small child's or an infant's head can be in a range of about 25 cm-about 43 cm, about 25 cm-about 40 cm, about 35 cm-about 43 cm or about 35 cm-about 40 cm. The term “infants” as used herein refers to a postnatal human that is less than about 2 year old, or less than 1 year old, including preemies, and newborns. The term “small child” as used herein generally refers to a human in the age range of about 2 and about 12 years old. In some embodiments, a “small child” is a human below 10 years, 8 years, 6 years, or 4 years of age. In one embodiment, a “small child” is a human less than 3 years old. In some embodiments, a “small child” can be a human with a developmental disorder, whose head size and/or body size can appear in the size of a small child.

The terms “flap” and “flaps” as used herein refer to an integral or a separate projection of the sheet that is capable of being folded into and out of the plane of the sheet. The flaps can be of any shape. In some embodiments, the flaps can have a polygonal shape, e.g., having at least one corner. The corner can be pointed, blunted, or rounded. In some embodiments, the flaps can have a curved shape, e.g., having no corners.

Illustrative, but non-limiting examples of the flaps are shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the flaps 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 and 314 are triangular in shape, each of which have one corner. However, in FIG. 3C, the flaps 316 and 318 are polygonal, each of which can have two or more corners. In some embodiments, the corners can be pointed corners, e.g., corner 320. In some embodiments, the corners can be blunted corners, e.g., corner 322. In some embodiments, the corners can be rounded corners, e.g., corner 324. Examples of flaps with no corners or rounded flaps such as flaps 326, 328, 330, and 332 are shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, respectively.

In some embodiments, the first flap and the second flap can be adjacent to each other, wherein the total length of at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient to close around a human head (e.g., a small child's head or an infant's head). By way of example only, FIG. 3A shows a diagram of a non-woven, polymeric sheet in a square shape 300A-1, according to one embodiment of the invention. The first flap 302 and the second flap 304, which are adjacent to each other, can be folded in, and seamed at or overlapped at the abutting edge 334 to form a triangular hood as shown in 300A-3 of FIG. 3A, e.g., for closing around or covering a human head (e.g., a child's or an infant's head).

In some embodiments, the first flap and the second flap can extend from opposite sides of the sheet, wherein the total length of at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient to close around a human head (e.g., a small child's or an infant's head). In some embodiments, the total length between at least a portion of the two flaps that are used to close around a small child's or an infant's head can be in a range of about 25 cm-about 55 cm, about 30 cm-about 55 cm, or about 35 cm-about 50 cm. In some embodiments, the total length between at least a portion of the two flaps that are used to close around a small child's or an infant's head can be in a range of about 25 cm-about 43 cm, about 25 cm-about 40 cm, about 35 cm-about 43 cm or about 35 cm-about 40 cm. For example, using a square sheet 300A-2 as shown in FIG. 3A for clarification purpose only, the total length of at least a portion of the first flap 302 and a portion of the second flap 306 extending from the opposite sides of the sheet is sufficient to close around a human head (e.g., a small child's or an infant's head), e.g., as shown in 300A-4 of FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, the total length of at least a portion of the first flap 302 and a portion of the second flap 306 is long enough such that the ends of the first flap and the second flap can overlap with each other when wrapping around a human head (e.g., an infant head). In some embodiments, the total length of at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap extending from the opposite sides of the sheet is sufficient to close around the circumference of a human head (i.e. head circumference). In such embodiments, the total length of at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap can be at least the circumference of a human head (e.g., a small child's or an infant's head) or longer. Head circumference is a measurement of a human head around its largest area. In one embodiment, the head circumference is the distance from above the eyebrows and ears and around the back of the head.

One of skill in the art can understand that sheets in any other shapes can be used for the purpose of the invention. Without limitations, for example, the flaps 314, 316, 326, and 330 of the respective sheets 300B, 300C, 300D, and 300E of different shapes can be the first flap of the sheet described herein, while the flaps 312, 318, 328 and 332 of the respective sheets 300B, 300C, 300D, and 300E can be the corresponding second flap of the sheet described herein.

In embodiments of the article described herein, the first flap and second flap each comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together to maintain the sheet around the human head. The fastening device can be placed anywhere on the first flap or on the second flap, such that the first flap and second flap can sufficiently close around a human head after secured with the fastening device. In some embodiments, the fastening device can be placed on at least one end of the flaps to secure the flaps of the sheet together around the human head. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fastening device can extend beyond at least one end of the flaps, for example, the tabs or straps 102 shown in FIG. 1A. Exemplary fastening devices include, but are not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velco), button-and-hole fasteners, male-and-female snaps, ribbon ties, zippers, laces, cords and any combinations thereof.

When using some embodiments of the article wherein the first flap and the second flap extend from the opposite sides of the sheet, the top part of the human head can still be left uncovered and exposed, e.g., to the surrounding air. In such embodiments, the top of the sheet can further include a third flap extending approximately transverse to the extent of the first flap and the second flap, wherein the area of at least a portion of the third flap is sufficient to enclose the top part of the head. In some embodiments, the height of the third flap can have a range of about 5 cm to about 25 cm, about 10 cm to about 20 cm, or about 10 cm to 15 cm. In some embodiments, the third flap can comprise at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the sheet 300A-2 contains a triangular third flap 304 such that the area of at least a portion of the third flap 304 is sufficient to cover and enclose the top part of the head when folded transverse to the extent of the first flap and the second flap, as indicated as a “closed” state in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the third flap can comprise more than one corners or splits. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the third flap 336 of the sheet 300C contains two splits, which can provide flexibility of the third flap to form a better fit around the top part of the head. Without limitations, the third flap can have more than two splits, more than three splits, more than four splits, or more. The more the splits there are, a better fit of the article described herein for a human head, i.e., the folding of the flaps following the contour of the head more closely, and thus preventing heat loss more efficiently.

In some embodiments of the article described herein, the bottom of the sheet can further include a flap folded to create at least one flat or a horizontal edge. For example, the flap 208 of the sheet 200 (FIGS. 2A-2B) or the flap 308 of the sheet 300A-2 (FIG. 3A) can be folded upward, resulting in formation of a second layer, upon where a human head can be placed. Depending on the shape of the flap at the bottom of the sheet, in some embodiments, the bottom flap 338 can be folded to create at least two flat edges, e.g., along the folding lines 340 as shown in FIG. 3C.

In various embodiments, the sheet of the nonwoven, polymeric material can have any shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the sheet can be a polygon, e.g., comprising at least three sides (e.g., a triangle), at least four sides (e.g., a square), at least five sides (e.g., a pentagon) or more. Exemplary shapes of the sheet include, but are not limited to, the ones shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. In some embodiments, the shape of the sheet can be a curved shape (e.g., FIG. 3D) or a rounded shape (e.g., FIG. 3E).

In accordance with the invention, the article described herein is used to prevent heat loss from a human head. Thus, the size of the sheet and/or the distance between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap can be tailored to any individual's head circumference. In one embodiment, the article described herein is used to prevent heat loss from an infant head, thereby helping maintain the body temperature of the infant. Thus, another aspect of the invention is directed to an article for wrapping at least an infant head, e.g., an infant headwrap. The infant headwrap consists essentially of one polygonal-shaped sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface and three flaps. The nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface includes a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material. A first flap and a second flap extend from opposite sides of the polygonal-shaped sheet, wherein the dimension between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient in length to close around the infant head. The third flap extending from the top end of the polygonal-shaped sheet has an area sufficient to enclose the top part of the infant head. Additionally, the first flap and the second flap each comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together to maintain the sheet around the infant head. An exemplary embodiment of the infant headwrap 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2A, wherein the flap 208 is optional.

In some embodiments, the third flap of the infant headwrap can further comprise at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap as described herein.

In some embodiments, the polygonal-shaped sheet of the infant headwrap can comprise at least four sides, or at least five sides. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the infant headwrap is constructed from a square sheet 200, including the first flap 202, the second flap 204, the third flap 206. In some embodiments, the bottom of the sheet 200 can further include a flap 208 folded to form a horizontal edge 210. In such embodiment, the flap 208 can form a second layer, upon where an infant head is placed, as shown in FIG. 2B. In alternative embodiments, the flap 208 can be left unfolded. In other embodiments, there can be no flap 208. The end of the first flap 202 and the second flap 204 can each contain at least one fastening device 212 as described herein. In some embodiments, the end of the third flap 206 can include at least one fastening device 212 described herein. In other embodiments, there can be no fastening device placed on the end of the third flap 206 if the third flap can be securely tucked under the extent of the first flap and the second flap.

In another embodiment, the polygonal-shaped sheet of the infant headwrap can be a five-sided polygon, e.g., 300B or a polygon with a shape outlined as shown in FIG. 2B. In such embodiment, the bottom of the sheet can contain no flap. However, the bottom part of the sheet upon where an infant head is placed can be thickened by adding a second sheet.

In some embodiments of any aspect described herein, the position and/or arrangement of any fastening devices placed on any flaps can be adjusted according to the size of the human head or desired extent of head coverage.

In some embodiments, each of the fastening devices can be independently re-sealable, e.g., to allow for access to at least a portion of the head when needed such as during bathing, examination, or surgical procedures. Further, re-sealable fastening devices can allow recycling the article for repeated uses. Thus, in some embodiments, the articles described herein can be sterilizable, e.g., without limitation, by autoclaving, UV or gamma sterilization, or ethylene oxide sterilization.

In some embodiments of any aspect described herein, the article can further include at least two elements 214 that are substantially spaced along the widest part of the sheet by a distance of at least an average width of a human head (e.g., a small child's or an infant's head). In some embodiments, the two elements 214 can be substantially spaced along the widest part of the sheet by a distance ranging from about 5 cm to about 20 cm, or from about 5 cm to about 10 cm. Such two elements 214 can be used to indicate a location where the human head is to be placed, or to facilitate stabilizing the human head in place. In one embodiment, the elements 214 are markers for the head position. In some embodiments, one element located substantially halfway between the first flap 202 and the second flap 204 can be sufficient to indicate a location where the human head is to be placed. The elements described herein can be of any shape, e.g., lines, polygons, dots, or rounded shapes. The elements can be printed on the sheet or made of any material attached to the sheet.

The articles described herein can be generally adapted for use in any human subject in need thereof, e.g., to decrease heat loss from the head or to help maintain body temperature. In some embodiments, the articles described herein can be used on a small child or an infant. Additionally, the articles described herein can be used in any environment, for example, but not limited to, perioperative or operating room, labor and delivery room, nursery room, neonatal intensive care unit, or during transport, e.g., of a small child or an infant, from one place to another, or even for home use.

The present invention may be defined in any of the following numbered paragraphs:

-   1. An article for covering at least a human head, consisting     essentially of:     -   at least one sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric material having at         least one radiant-reflective surface, the at least one sheet         comprising a first flap and a second flap;     -   wherein a dimension between at least a portion of the first flap         and a portion of the second flap is sufficient in length to         close around the human head; and     -   wherein the first flap and the second flap each comprises at         least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together         to maintain the sheet around the human head. -   2. The article of paragraph 1, wherein the first flap and the second     flap are adjacent to each other. -   3. The article of paragraph 1, wherein the first flap and the second     flap extend from opposite sides of the sheet. -   4. The article of paragraph 2 or 3, wherein a top of the sheet     further includes a third flap extending approximately transverse to     the extent of the first flap and the second flap, an area of at     least a portion of the third flap being sufficient to enclose a top     part the human head. -   5. The article of paragraph 4, wherein the third flap further     comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap. -   6. The article of paragraph 5, wherein said at least one fastening     device is each independently selected from the group consisting of     hook-and-loop fasteners, button-and-hole fasteners, male-and-female     snaps, ribbon ties, zippers, laces, cords, and any combinations     thereof. -   7. The article of any of paragraphs 1-6, wherein the bottom of the     sheet further includes a flap folded to create at least one flat     edge. -   8. The article of any of paragraphs 1-7, wherein at least two     elements are substantially spaced along the widest part of the sheet     by a distance of at least an average width of a human head. -   9. The article of paragraph 8, wherein said at least two elements     indicate a location where the human head is to be placed, or to     facilitate stabilizing the human head in place. -   10. The article of any of paragraphs 1-9, wherein the nonwoven,     polymeric material includes a biaxially-oriented polyethylene     terephthalate material. -   11. The article of any of paragraphs 1-10, wherein said at least one     sheet of the nonwoven, polymeric material has a polygonal shape. -   12. The article of paragraph 11, wherein the polygonal shape     comprises at least four sides. -   13. The article of paragraph 11, wherein the polygonal shape     comprises at least five sides. -   14. The article of any of paragraphs 1-13, wherein said at least one     sheet of the nonwoven, polymeric material has a circular shape. -   15. The article of any of paragraphs 1-14, wherein said at least the     human head is an infant head. -   16. An article for wrapping at least an infant head, consisting     essentially of one polygonal-shaped sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric     material having at least one radiant-reflective surface and three     individual flaps,     -   wherein a first flap and a second flap extend from opposite         sides of the polygonal-shaped sheet, a dimension between at         least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second         flap being sufficient in length to close around the infant head;     -   wherein an area of at least a portion of a third flap extending         from a top end of the polygonal-shaped sheet is sufficient to         enclose a top part of the infant head;     -   wherein the first flap and the second flap each comprises at         least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together         to maintain the sheet around the infant head, and     -   wherein the nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one         radiant-reflective surface includes a biaxially-oriented         polyethylene terephthalate material. -   17. The article of paragraph 16, wherein the third flap further     comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap. -   18. The article of paragraph 16 or 17, wherein said at least one     fastening device is each independently selected from the group     consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, button-and-hole fasteners,     male-and-female snaps, ribbon ties, zippers, laces, cords, and any     combinations thereof. -   19. The article of any of paragraphs 16-18, wherein the bottom of     the polygonal-shaped sheet further includes a flap folded to create     a horizontal edge. -   20. The article of any of paragraphs 16-19, wherein at least two     elements are substantially spaced along the widest part of the sheet     by a distance of at least an average width of an infant head. -   21. The article of paragraph 20, wherein said at least two elements     indicate a location where the human head is to be placed, or to     facilitate stabilizing the human head in place. -   22. The article of any of paragraphs 16-21, wherein the     polygonal-shaped sheet comprises at least four sides. -   23. The article of any of paragraphs 16-22, wherein the     polygonal-shaped sheet comprises at least five sides. -   24. The article of any of paragraphs 16-23, wherein the polygonal     shaped sheet is a square sheet.

While there has been shown and described in some embodiments of a head-covering article in accordance with the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes and modifications can be made therein without, however, departing from the essential spirit thereof. Thus, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, for it can be realized that various shapes of the sheet including a boPET material can be used to construct a head-covering article, particularly an infant headwrap. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

All numbers expressing quantities used herein should be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about.” The term “about” when used in connection with percentages may mean ±1%.

The following examples are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention, but do not exemplify the full scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

This example demonstrates a method to evaluate the thermal protection of an infant headwrap described herein.

At least one response of the infant with and without the infant headwrap can be measured over at least one contiguous 6-hour or 12-hour periods. Such responses include, but are not limited to, temperatures of skin, abdomen, forehead, thigh, arm, hand, foot, esophagus or rectum, urine epinephrine, urine norepinephrine, heart rate, respiratory rate, and any combinations thereof. The location of the study area, e.g., in relation to the door, window, and air conditioning/air ventilation duct, should be the same for all infants. In some embodiments, the study can be carried out in an operating room, where there can be no windows and/or the environmental temperature can vary. In other embodiments, the study can be carried out in a nursery room.

The infants with the headwrap of the invention can maintain at least one of their temperatures of skin, abdomen, forehead, thigh, arm, hand, foot, esophagus or rectum. In such embodiments, the change in at least one of those temperatures is decreased by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to an infant without the inventive headwrap. In some embodiments, the total heat loss from the infants with the headwrap is decreased by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to an infant without the inventive headwrap. Methods of measuring head loss from any part of the body are well known to a skilled artisan.

EXAMPLE 2

This example demonstrates a method to evaluate the thermal protection of an infant headwrap described herein as compared to the THINSULATE® headwrap.

At least one response of the infants either with the headwrap described herein or the THINSULATE® can be measured over at least one contiguous 6-hour or 12-hour periods. Such responses include, but are not limited to, temperatures of skin, abdomen, forehead, thigh, arm, hand, foot, esophagus or rectum, urine epinephrine, urine norepinephrine, heart rate, respiratory rate, and any combinations thereof. The location of the study area, e.g., in relation to the door, window, and air conditioning/air ventilation duct should be the same for all infants. In some embodiments, the study can be carried out in an operating room, where there can be no windows and/or the environmental temperature can vary. In other embodiments, the study can be carried out in a nursery room.

The infants with the headwrap of the invention can maintain at least one of their temperatures of skin, abdomen, forehead, thigh, arm, hand, foot, esophagus or rectum. In such embodiments, the change in at least one of those temperatures is decreased by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to an infant with a THINSULATE® headwrap. In some embodiments, the total heat loss from the infants with the headwrap is decreased by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or 100%, as compared to an infant with a THINSULATE® headwrap. Methods of measuring head loss from any part of the body are well known to a skilled artisan.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “containing,” are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. 

1. An article for covering at least a human head, consisting essentially of: at least one sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface, the at least one sheet comprising a first flap and a second flap; wherein a dimension between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap is sufficient in length to close around the human head; and wherein the first flap and the second flap each comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together to maintain the sheet around the human head.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the first flap and the second flap are adjacent to each other.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the first flap and the second flap extend from opposite sides of the sheet.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein a top of the sheet further includes a third flap extending approximately transverse to the extent of the first flap and the second flap, an area of at least a portion of the third flap being sufficient to enclose a top part the human head.
 5. The article of claim 4, wherein the third flap further comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap.
 6. The article of claim 5, wherein said at least one fastening device is each independently selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, button-and-hole fasteners, male-and-female snaps, ribbon ties, zippers, laces, cords, and any combinations thereof.
 7. The article of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the sheet further includes a flap folded to create at least one flat edge.
 8. The article of claim 1, further comprising at least two elements substantially spaced along the widest part of the sheet by a distance of at least an average width of a human head.
 9. The article of claim 8, wherein said at least two elements indicate a location where the human head is to be placed, or to facilitate stabilizing the human head in place.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven, polymeric material includes a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material.
 11. The article of claim 1, wherein said at least one sheet of the nonwoven, polymeric material has a polygonal shape.
 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the polygonal shape comprises at least four sides.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The article of claim 1, wherein said at least one sheet of the nonwoven, polymeric material has a circular shape.
 15. The article of claim 1, wherein said at least the human head is an infant head.
 16. An article for wrapping at least an infant head, consisting essentially of one polygonal-shaped sheet of a nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface and three individual flaps, wherein a first flap and a second flap extend from opposite sides of the polygonal-shaped sheet, a dimension between at least a portion of the first flap and a portion of the second flap being sufficient in length to close around the infant head; wherein an area of at least a portion of a third flap extending from a top end of the polygonal-shaped sheet is sufficient to enclose a top part of the infant head; wherein the first flap and the second flap each comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flaps together to maintain the sheet around the infant head, and wherein the nonwoven, polymeric material having at least one radiant-reflective surface includes a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material.
 17. The article of claim 16, wherein the third flap further comprises at least one fastening device adapted to secure the flap.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The article of claim 16, wherein the bottom of the polygonal-shaped sheet further includes a flap folded to create a horizontal edge.
 20. The article of claim 16, further comprising at least two elements substantially spaced along the widest part of the sheet by a distance of at least an average width of an infant head.
 21. The article of claim 20, wherein said at least two elements indicate a location where the human head is to be placed, or to facilitate stabilizing the human head in place.
 22. The article of claim 16, wherein the polygonal-shaped sheet comprises at least four sides.
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled) 